Array of disposable absorbent article configurations and merchandise display system for identifying disposable absorbent article configurations for wearers

ABSTRACT

An array of disposable absorbent article configurations is provided comprising a sequence of designs corresponding to a wearer&#39;s stages of development. A merchandising system facilitates consumers&#39;selection of an absorbent article configuration by appropriately matching an absorbent article configuration with a particular wearer&#39;s stage of development. The system includes indicia exhibiting pictorial representations of the absorbent article configurations fitted to wearer&#39;s at corresponding stages of development enabling a consumer to choose the appropriate absorbent article configuration for a particular wearer

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention is directed to an array of disposableabsorbent article configurations and a system and device for identifyinga disposable absorbent article configuration for a particular wearer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Disposable absorbent articles such as diapers and catamenials aredesigned to absorb and contain bodily waste to prevent soiling of thebody and clothing. The disposable absorbent articles typically comprisea single design available in different sizes to fit a variety of wearersranging from newborns to active toddlers. The design of the diapertypically affects performance, such as, ability to absorb and containbodily waste. The size of the diaper typically affects fit, for example,the size of the diaper waist opening, the size of the openings aroundthe thighs, and the length or “pitch” of the diaper.

[0003] The problem with a one design fits all approach is that a singleconfiguration may not be appropriate for every level of activity andcapability. For instance, caregivers for newborns and immobile infantsmay desire a soft, yet bulky design which wraps the wearer and is gentleon the wearer's skin whereas once the infant becomes actively mobile itmay be more desirable to have a contoured trim fit design providing thewearer more freedom of movement. Other designs may also be desired asthe toddler grows and becomes more and more capable of independentactivity. For instance, a pull on diaper design may be beneficial fortoddlers participating in the dressing experience. Similarly, a trainingdiaper design may be appealing to a toddler in the toilet training stagewhich makes a wearer aware when a discharge of bodily waste has occurredwhile at the same time provide the necessary protection to the wearer'sclothing. It is difficult to design a single product configurationexhibiting each of these attributes. Thus, there is need for a varietyof disposable diaper designs matching a particular wearer's capabilityand/or level of activity.

[0004] Although providing a variety of diaper designs matching an infantor toddlers capability and/or level of activity may meet a consumerneed, physical sizes of infants and toddlers vary throughout theirdevelopment. As a result, different product designs are preferably madeavailable in the same sizes. For instance, a disposable diaper designedfor a crawling toddler may be available in the same size as aconfiguration designed for a walking toddler and/or a configurationdesigned for a toddler participating in the dressing experience.Merchandising systems typically display and arrange disposable diapersaccording to size numbers. Therefore, an unprecedented introduction ofsuch a variety of disposable diaper configurations may present aconsumer with a dilemma in choosing the right configuration for aparticular wearer. Thus, there is also a need for a merchandising systemwhich can enable a caregiver to select a design from a variety ofconfigurations that matches a particular wearer's needs. Particularly,there is a need for a merchandising system that enables the caregiver toidentify an absorbent article configuration designed for a particularwearer's stage of development.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an arrayof disposable absorbent article configurations is provided comprising asequence of designs corresponding to a wearer's stages of development.For a disposable diaper, the array of disposable absorbent articleconfigurations may comprise a first absorbent article configurationhaving a chassis designed for newborns and immobile infants, a secondabsorbent article configuration having a chassis designed for mobiletoddlers in a crawling stage, a third absorbent article configurationhaving a chassis designed for walking toddlers and other absorbentarticle configurations discussed further hereinafter in the detaileddescription of the invention.

[0006] The present invention is also directed to a merchandising systemthat facilitates a consumer's selection of an absorbent articleconfiguration by appropriately matching a configuration of absorbentarticle with a particular wearer's stage of development. The systemincludes indicia exhibiting pictorial representations of the absorbentarticle configurations fitted to wearer's at corresponding stages ofdevelopment. By looking at the indicia, a consumer can select theappropriate absorbent article configuration matching their particularwearer. The indicia may be provided on a display panel above the storeshelves on which the absorbent article configurations are displayed forsale. The indicia may also be disposed on packaging for the absorbentarticle configurations.

[0007] The present invention also provides a device for selecting anabsorbent article configuration by matching a particular configurationwith a wearer's stage of development. The device may comprise astationary component and a moveable component. The stationary componenthas a first wearer characteristic disposed thereon where the firstwearer characteristic includes at least two first wearer characteristictypes. The moveable component has a second wearer characteristicdisposed thereon where the second wearer characteristic includes atleast two second wearer characteristic types. The first wearercharacteristic may include a wearer's weight and the second wearer'scharacteristic may include a wearer's stage of development. A consumermay select the appropriate absorbent article configuration for a wearerby moving the moveable component relative to the stationary component inorder to match the wearer characteristics on the two components for aparticular wearer.

[0008] The foregoing systems and devices can be employed relative todisposable diapers and other absorbent articles having a range of sizesand a variety of designs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] While the specification concludes with claims particularlypointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which isregarded as forming the present invention, it is believed that theinvention will be better understood from the following description takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010]FIG. 1 illustrates indicia exhibiting pictorial representations ofabsorbent article configurations fitted to wearer's at correspondingstages of development.

[0011]FIG. 2a illustrates a store display of absorbent articleconfigurations having chassis designed to match a wearer's stage ofdevelopment comprising a vertical arrangement where each shelf carries adifferent stage of development.

[0012]FIG. 2b illustrates the arrangement shown in FIG. 2a withabsorbent article configurations arranged in a second order in columnsaccording to size.

[0013]FIG. 3a illustrates a store display of absorbent articleconfigurations having chassis designed to match a wearer's stage ofdevelopment comprising a horizontal arrangement where the differentstages of development are arranged in columns.

[0014]FIG. 3b illustrates the arrangement shown in FIG. 3a withabsorbent article configurations arranged in a second order in rowsaccording to size.

[0015]FIG. 4a illustrates a rotary cylinder type selection device usedto facilitate a consumer's selection of the appropriate absorbentarticle configuration matching a particular wearer's stage ofdevelopment.

[0016]FIG. 4b illustrates the rotary cylinder portion of the rotarycylinder type selection device illustrated in FIG. 4a.

[0017]FIG. 4c illustrates the housing portion of the rotary cylindertype selection device illustrated in FIG. 4a.

[0018]FIG. 5a illustrates an interactive dial type selection deviceaccording to the present invention used to facilitate a consumer'sselection of the appropriate absorbent article configuration matching aparticular wearer's stage of development.

[0019]FIG. 5b illustrates the base wheel portion of the dial typeselection device illustrated in FIG. 5a.

[0020]FIG. 5c illustrates the middle wheel portion of the dial typeselection device illustrated in FIG. 5a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The present invention is directed to an array of disposableabsorbent article configurations comprising a sequence of designscorresponding to a wearer's stages of development and a merchandisingsystem for identifying the configuration of absorbent article whichmatches a wearer's stage of development. For instance, the array mayinclude a first absorbent article configuration designed for newbornsand immobile infants, a second absorbent article configuration designedfor a toddler in the crawling stage, and/or other absorbent articleconfigurations designed for subsequent stages of development discussedbelow. The merchandising system generally includes indicia exhibitingpictorial representations of the absorbent article configurations fittedto wearers at respective stages of development enabling a consumer toidentify the appropriate configuration that matches a particularwearer's stage of development. The system is particularly useful formerchandising multiple absorbent article configurations that areavailable in overlapping size ranges.

[0022] As used herein, the term “absorbent article” refers to deviceswhich are designed to absorb and contain bodily exudates, and, morespecifically, refers to devices which are placed within, against, or inproximity to, the body of the wearer to absorb and contain the variousexudates discharged from the body. As used herein the term “chassis”refers to the main structure of the diaper. As used herein, the term“stage of development” refers to level of emotional and cognitivematurity and/or the physical abilities of an individual includinglocomotion, mobility, motor skills and coordination. As used herein theterm “diaper” refers to an absorbent article generally used by infantsand incontinent persons that is worn about the lower torso of thewearer. As used herein the term “chassis” refers to the main structureof the diaper with other features added to form the composite diaperstructure. The term “disposable” is used herein to describe absorbentarticles which are generally not intended to be laundered or otherwiserestored or reused as an absorbent article (in other words, they aregenerally intended to be discarded after a single use, and, preferably,to be disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner). Referencesto identifying a “size” is used herein to include a direct or indirectidentification of a disposable diaper or other absorbent article size,such as by number or letter (for example, “Size 3” or “Size A”), bydirect description (for example, “Small” or “Large”), or by anycombination thereof, and whether expressed or discernible visually,audibly or otherwise. As used herein, “indicia” is an identifyingmarking, which may include words and/or graphics describing a product inuse.

[0023] The array of absorbent articles and merchandising systemdescribed herein may be applicable to a number of absorbent articleproducts. For instance, feminine hygiene garments may be made availablein a variety of designs depending on a wearer's level of activity.However, a preferred embodiment includes an assortment of disposablediapers made available in a variety product configurations where eachconfiguration includes distinguishable characteristics comprisingstructural differences addressing a wearer's stage of development. Thestages of development may range from newborns to active toddlers seekingindependence. For instance, a first stage of development might cover aprelocomotive phase and include newborns in a bonding stage with mom andother immobile infants whose level of activity might include a littlemore than head raising or rolling over. A second stage of developmentmight cover a discovering stage comprising a crawling phase and includecurious toddlers developing activity in the form of sitting and mobilityin the form of scooting, rolling and crawling. A third stage ofdevelopment might cover an exploring stage comprising a walking phaseand include toddlers whose level of activity includes standing, walkingand beginning to run. A fourth stage of development might cover alearning phase and include toddlers capable of doing things bythemselves such as dressing and developing coordination which enablesthem to walk and run without losing balance. A fifth stage ofdevelopment might cover a training stage and include toddlers undergoingtoilet training, attempting to achieve independence and overall,undergoing a transition from baby to child. Other stages arecontemplated.

[0024] For each or any of the aforementioned stages of development, aseparate absorbent article configuration may be provided. For example,for the first stage of development, the absorbent article configurationmay comprise a chassis designed to swaddle the wearer like a blanket andinclude a blanket like feel. This configuration might also includespecial structural features like an umbilical chord notch and alsoornamental features such as graphics which include pastel colors andback to sleep logos. For the second stage of development, a secondabsorbent article configuration may comprise a chassis designed togently conform to the wearer in order to enable more freedom ofmovement. For this second configuration, the chassis might be contouredhaving a relatively narrow crotch region, a stretchable high back regionand a low cut front region and also include bright color graphics. Thethird absorbent article configuration may comprise a chassis havingflexible fasteners and high stretch sides to facilitate easy,struggle-free changes of a toddler in a standing or lying position. Thefourth absorbent article configuration may comprise a pull on chassisdesigned to look more like underwear that a wearer can put on and offenabling him or her to participate in the dressing experience. For thefifth stage of development, the fifth absorbent article configurationmay comprise a chassis providing the comfort of underpants and theprotection of a diaper while at the same time include a wetnessindicator that enables the wearer to recognize the discomfort associatedwith wetting.

[0025] Since infants and toddlers experience stages of development atdifferent rates, multiple sizes may be provided for each absorbentarticle configuration. As a result, different absorbent articleconfigurations are made available in overlapping size ranges. Forinstance, the first absorbent article configuration might be availablein a size one, a size two and a size three, while the second absorbentarticle configuration might be available in a size three, a size fourand a size five. The third absorbent article configuration might beavailable in a size three, a size four and a size five while the fourthabsorbent article might be available in a size four, a size five and asize six, and so on.

[0026] Overlapping size ranges make it difficult for a consumer tochoose the right product configuration matching a particular wearer'sstage of development. For this reason, a merchandising system isprovided that facilitates consumers'selection of an absorbent articlefrom a variety of configurations. The system preferably includes indiciaexhibiting pictorial representations of the absorbent articleconfigurations fitted to wearers at corresponding stages of development.As shown in FIG. 1, the indicia for the first absorbent articleconfiguration 10 might display an infant cradled in a mother's arms.Similarly, the indicia for the second absorbent article configuration 12might exhibit a toddler crawling while the indicia for the thirdconfiguration 14 might exhibit a mother changing the absorbent articlewhile the wearer is standing. The indicia for the fourth absorbentarticle configuration 16 might show a wearer pulling the absorbentarticle up like underpants as the wearer participates in the dressingexperience. Further, the indicia for the fifth absorbent articleconfiguration 18 might show a toddler undergoing toilet training.

[0027] By matching the stage of development of a wearer with the stageof development exhibited by the indicia, the consumer can choose theright product configuration for their particular wearer. The indicia maybe provided on a display panel disposed above the store shelves on whichthe absorbent article configurations are displayed for sale.Alternately, the indicia may be disposed on packaging for the differentabsorbent article configurations or in advertisements disseminated tothe public.

[0028] The merchandising system may also include different product namesassociating each product configuration with the particular stage ofdevelopment for which the product is designed. For instance, the firstabsorbent article configuration could be named Swaddlers 20, while thesecond, third, fourth, and fifth product configurations could be namedCruisers 22, Change & Go 24, Easy Ups 26 and Train-Me Pants 28,respectively. Each of the product names listed are trade names ofproducts manufactured by The Procter and Gamble Company.

[0029] In addition to providing indicia displaying the absorbent articleconfigurations in use and the different product names, the variety ofabsorbent article configurations may be displayed on store shelves in anarrangement that facilitates the consumer's selection. For instance, theabsorbent article configurations may be arranged in a first sequentialorder according to the stages of development and in a second sequentialorder according to size. For this arrangement, the first articledisplayed is the first absorbent article configuration, consecutivelyfollowed in the first direction by the second, third, fourth and fifthabsorbent article configurations. The first, second, third, fourth andfifth configurations are then arranged according to their availablesizes in a second sequential order. For example, as shown in FIG. 2a,the first sequential order may be vertical with the first configurationdisplayed on a lowest shelf of the display and the fifth configurationdisplayed above on the highest shelf of the display, or vice versa. Forthis arrangement, sizes for each of the absorbent article configurationsare arranged horizontally in the second sequential order with increasingsizes progressing from left to right. In an alternate embodiment shownin FIG. 2b the sizes are arranged in columnar form to further facilitatethe consumer's selection process. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 3a, thefirst sequential order may be horizontal across a given shelf withfirst, second, third, fourth and fifth configurations displayed,progressing from left to right, on a given shelf. For this arrangement,the sizes for each absorbent article configuration are arrangedvertically in the second sequential order with each shelf carrying adifferent size. In an alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 3b the sizesare arranged such that each shelf in the display carries a differentsize in order to better distinguish the different productconfigurations. Although the arrangements shown FIGS. 3a and 3 b depictthe sizes progressing upward, a reverse arrangement with the sizesincreasing downward is contemplated.

[0030] Selection devices may be deployed in stores to help consumers tochoose the right product configuration for their particular wearers. Forexample, a selection device may comprise a mechanical device foridentifying an absorbent article configuration by matching a particularconfiguration with a wearer's stage of development. Such device maycomprise a stationary component and a moveable component. The stationarycomponent has a first wearer characteristic disposed thereon where thefirst wearer characteristic includes at least two first wearercharacteristic types. The moveable component has a second wearercharacteristic disposed thereon where the second wearer characteristicincludes at least two second wearer characteristic types. The firstwearer characteristic may include a wearer's weight and the secondwearer's characteristic may include a wearer's stage of development. Aconsumer may select the appropriate absorbent article configuration fora wearer by moving the moveable component relative to the stationarycomponent in order to match the characteristics on the device with thecharacteristics of a particular wearer.

[0031] Examples of mechanical type selection devices include slides,rotary dials and rotary cylinders. A rotary cylinder type selectiondevice 100 is illustrated in FIG. 4a. As shown, the device includes acylinder 110 enclosed and rotatably supported in a housing 120. Thecylinder 110, shown in FIG. 4b, is divided into segments along a lengthand includes a series of weight ranges disposed circumferentially aroundthe cylinder in a first segment 112 a and available sizes for eachabsorbent article configuration disposed circumferentially around thecylinder in succeeding segments 112 a-112 f. For each weight rangeprovided in the first segment 112 a of the cylinder 110, a correspondingsize number, if available for a given absorbent article configuration,is disposed in alignment therewith in the succeeding segments. Thecylinder 110 also includes a knob 114 for rotating the cylinder 110. Thehousing 120, shown in FIG. 4c, is also divided into segments along alength corresponding to the cylinder segments. Each of the housingsegments includes a window 122 a-122 f exposing the cylinder segmentsand indicia 124 a-124 e disposed above the windows exhibiting theproduct configuration corresponding to a wearer's stages of development.The housing 120 may also includes a slot 124 exposing the cylinder knob114. In operation, the consumer rotates the knob 114 to the weight rangematching their particular wearer. For given weight range, an availablesize, if any, appears in the windows 124 a-124 f in each segment of thehousing. From the indicia disposed above the windows 124 a-124 f, theconsumer can select the correct size and the appropriate productconfiguration for their particular wearer.

[0032] Other mechanical devices such as a dial could be employed whichpermits a person to actively “dial in” information regarding thecharacteristics of the potential wearer of interest, and which wouldthen identify or allow the person to identify a size and absorbentarticle configuration which is fit-appropriate for that wearer. FIG. 5aillustrates an example of an interactive mechanical dial-type selectiondevice for disposable diapers which embodies the present invention. Thedial type selection device 200 comprises a base wheel 210, a middlewheel 220, and a top wheel 230. The wheels are held together by an axle205, the axle 205 preferably having a broadened portion or cap at eachend to keep the wheels from slipping off the axle. Both the middle 220wheel and the top wheel 230 can be rotated around the axle 205 relativeto the base wheel 210 and relative to each other. As shown in FIG. 5b,the base wheel 210 has a radially outward portion 211 labeled withweight values around the circumference of radially outboard portion 211.As shown in FIG. 5b, the base wheel 210 also has a radially inwardportion 212 labeled with a spiral of a series of different colored (orotherwise differentiated) segments 216 a-216 e. The different colorscorrespond to the different diaper configurations which are discussedhereinafter in connection with FIG. 5a. FIG. 5c shows middle wheel 220having a radially outward portion 222 labeled with stages of development225 and a radially inward portion 224 with a spiral of cutout segmentsor openings 226 a-226 e designed to overly a portion of the differentcolor segments on the base wheel 210. Middle wheel 220 also has apointer 228. As shown in FIG. 5a, top wheel 230 is labeled with a diaperconfiguration key 232 having five segments 234 a-234 e, where eachsegment corresponds to a different absorbent article configuration. Eachsuch segment 234 a-234 e in the diaper configuration key 232 has adifferent color, and each color corresponds to a respective color ofdifferent-colored segments 216 a-216 e on base wheel 210. Top wheel 230also has a pointer 236, and a wedge-shaped cutout or opening 238designed to overlie cutout segments 226 a-226 e in the middle wheel 220.Other configurations providing the same or similar information arepossible.

[0033] Referring again to FIG. 5a, a user such as a consumer or othercaregiver can “dial in” a value for a potential wearer's weight byrotating middle wheel 220 to move pointer 228 to point to theappropriate weight value on base wheel 210. The user can also “dial in”a value for the potential wearer's stage of development by rotating topwheel 230 to move pointer 236 to point to the appropriate stage ofdevelopment 225 on middle wheel 220. Once the combination of a wearerstage of development and a wearer weight value is dialed in, one of thesegments 216 a-216 e from the base wheel 210 will be visible through thecut-out segments or openings 226 in middle wheel 220 as well as throughthe wedge-shaped cutout or opening 238 in top wheel 230 (in the exampleillustrated in FIG. 5a, the visible segment corresponds to a coloredsegment 216 c). The user can then associate or match the color of thevisible one of colored segments 216 a-216 e to one of the colors 234a-234 e on diaper configuration key 232 which thereby identifies theconfiguration and size predicted to be appropriate for the wearer havingthe combined weight and stage of development dialed-in by the user (inthe example illustrated in FIG. 5a, diaper configuration, Cruisers). Aswill be apparent to a person skilled in the art from the disclosure ofthis embodiment of the invention, other mechanical devices such as aslide rule type device could be used in place of the dial to identify anappropriate diaper configuration or other absorbent articleconfiguration a similar fashion.

[0034] Interactive devices including one or more computers, hand helddevices, scanners, etc. can also be utilized as selection devices fordisposable absorbent articles where multiple configurations areinvolved. Such devices could prompt a person such as a consumer orcaregiver to actively input answers to questions regarding the pertinentcharacteristics of the potential wearer of interest, keep track of theanswers, and provide output information identifying or allowing theperson to identify a disposable diaper configuration or other articleappropriate for that wearer based on those answers. Such an “activelyinteractive” device could be employed as part of an interactive in-storedisplay, as part of an interactive site on the World Wide Web, or aspart of an interactive menu-driven phone system. Configurationidentification information could be provided or output visually in theform of a figure, symbol or other indicia identifying a particularconfiguration, or could be provided or output audibly such as through amessage from an interactive phone system.

[0035] It should be understood that while particular embodiments and/orfeatures of the invention have been described, it would be apparent tothose skilled in the art (given the present description) that variousother changes and modifications can be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention. Further, it should be apparent thatall combinations of such embodiments and/or features are possible andcan result in preferred executions of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An array of disposable absorbent articleconfigurations designed to fit wearers at different stages ofdevelopment, the array comprising: a first absorbent articleconfiguration, the first absorbent article configuration including achassis designed to correspond to a wearer's first stage of development;a second absorbent article configuration, the second absorbent articleconfiguration including a chassis designed to correspond to a wearer'ssecond stage of development; and a third absorbent articleconfiguration, the third absorbent article configuration including achassis designed to correspond to a wearer's third stage of development.2. The array of disposable absorbent article configurations according toclaim 1 wherein the wearer's first stage of development comprises apre-locomotive phase and wherein the wearers include newborn infants andimmobile toddlers.
 3. The array of disposable absorbent articleconfigurations according to claim 1 wherein the wearer's second stage ofdevelopment comprises a crawling phase and wherein the wearers arecapable of scooting, rolling, and crawling.
 4. The array of disposableabsorbent article configurations according to claim 1 wherein thewearer's third stage of development comprises a walking phase andwherein the wearers are capable of standing, walking and beginning torun.
 5. The array of disposable absorbent article configurationsaccording to claim 1 further comprising a fourth absorbent articleconfiguration, the fourth absorbent article configuration including achassis designed to correspond to a wearer's fourth stage ofdevelopment.
 6. The array of disposable absorbent article configurationsaccording to claim 5 wherein the fourth stage of development comprises alearning phase and wherein the wearers are capable of participating in adressing experience.
 7. The array of disposable absorbent articleconfigurations according to claim 6 further comprising a fifth absorbentarticle configuration, the fifth absorbent article configurationincluding a chassis designed to correspond to a wearer's fifth stage ofdevelopment.
 8. The array of disposable absorbent article configurationsaccording to claim 7 wherein the fifth stage of development comprises atraining phase and wherein the wearers are undergoing toilet training.9. A merchandise display system for absorbent articles, the merchandisedisplay system comprising: a first absorbent article configuration, thefirst absorbent article configuration including a chassis designed tocorrespond to a wearer's first stage of development; a second absorbentarticle configuration, the second absorbent article configurationincluding a chassis designed to correspond to a wearer's second stage ofdevelopment, and indicia exhibiting pictorial representationsassociating the first and the second absorbent article configurationswith respective first and second stages of development wherein theassociation enables a consumer to identify the appropriate absorbentarticle configuration for a wearer.
 10. The merchandise display systemaccording to claim 9 wherein the indicia are disposed on a display panelexhibiting the first absorbent article configuration fitted to a firstwearer representing the wearer's first stage of development and thesecond absorbent article configuration fitted to a second wearerrepresenting the wearer's second stage of development.
 11. Themerchandise display system according to claim 10 wherein the indiciafurther comprise a first product name corresponding to the firstabsorbent article configuration and a second product name correspondingto the second absorbent article configuration.
 12. The merchandisedisplay system according to claim 9 wherein the first and secondabsorbent article configurations are wrapped in packages includingindicia disposed thereon wherein the indicia for the first absorbentarticle configuration exhibits the first absorbent article fitted to awearer at the wearer's first stage of development and the indicia forthe second absorbent article configuration exhibits the second absorbentarticle fitted to a wearer at the wearer's second stage of development.13. The merchandise display system according to claim 12 wherein theindicia for the first absorbent article configuration further comprisesa first product name corresponding to the first absorbent articleconfiguration and wherein the indicia for the second absorbent articleconfiguration further comprises a second product name corresponding tothe second absorbent article configuration.
 14. The merchandise displaysystem according to claim 9 wherein the first absorbent articleconfiguration is available in a first size and a second size.
 15. Themerchandise display system according to claim 14 wherein the secondabsorbent article configuration is available in a second size and athird size.
 16. The merchandise display system according to claim 9further comprising a third absorbent article configuration, the thirdabsorbent article configuration including a chassis designed tocorrespond to a wearer's third stage of development and indiciaexhibiting a pictorial representation of the third absorbent articleconfiguration fitted to a wearer at the wearer's third stage ofdevelopment.
 17. The merchandise display system according to claim 16wherein the indicia further comprises a third product name correspondingto the third product configuration.
 18. The merchandise display systemaccording to claim 16 wherein the third absorbent article configurationis available in a third size and a fourth size.
 19. The merchandisedisplay system according to claim 18 further comprising a fourthabsorbent article configuration, the fourth absorbent articleconfiguration including a chassis designed to correspond to a wearer'sfourth stage of development and indicia exhibiting a pictorialrepresentation of the fourth absorbent article configuration fitted to awearer at the wearer's fourth stage of development.
 20. The merchandisedisplay system according to claim 19 wherein the fourth absorbentarticle configuration is available in a fourth size and a fifth size.21. The merchandise display system according to claim 20 furthercomprising a display arrangement wherein the first, second, third andfourth absorbent article configurations are arranged in a firstsequential order from the wearer's first stage of development to thewearer's fourth stage of development.
 22. The merchandise display systemaccording to claim 21 wherein the first, second, third and fourthabsorbent article configurations are arranged in a second sequentialorder according to size ranging from smaller sizes to larger sizes. 23.The merchandise display system according to claim 22 wherein at leastone available size for the first absorbent article configuration is thesame as at least one available size for the second absorbent articleconfiguration.
 24. The merchandise display system according to claim 23wherein the first sequential order is arranged in a first directionaccording to the stages of development and wherein the second sequentialorder is arranged in a second direction according to size.
 25. A devicefor identifying an absorbent article configuration according to awearer's stage of development, the device comprising: a stationarycomponent having a first wearer characteristic disposed thereon, thefirst wearer characteristic including at least two first wearercharacteristic types; and a movable component having a second wearercharacteristic disposed thereon, the second wearer characteristicincluding at least two second wearer characteristic types; wherein themoveable component can move relative to the stationary component inorder to align the first and second wearer characteristic types matchinga particular wearer.
 26. The device according to claim 25 wherein thefirst wearer characteristic is a wearer's stage of development.
 27. Thedevice according to claim 25 wherein the second wearer characteristic isa wearer's weight.
 28. The device according to claim 25 wherein thesecond wearer characteristic is a wearer's height.
 29. The deviceaccording to claim 26 wherein the stage of development includes apre-locomotive phase wherein the wearers include newborn infants andimmobile toddlers.
 30. The device according to claim 26 wherein thestage of development includes a crawling phase wherein the wearers arecapable of scooting, rolling, and crawling.
 31. The device according toclaim 26 wherein the stage of development includes a walking phasewherein the wearers are capable of standing and walking.
 32. The deviceaccording to claim 26 wherein the stage of development includes a selfdressing phase wherein the wearers are capable of participating in adressing experience.
 33. The device according to claim 26 wherein thedevice is selected from the group consisting of a dial, a slide rule,and a rotary cylinder.
 34. A method of marketing disposable absorbentarticles to consumers, the method comprising the steps of: providing aplurality of absorbent article configurations, the plurality ofabsorbent article configurations including chassis designed tocorrespond to at least three stages of development ranging fromprelocomotive infants to walking toddlers; providing indicia includingpictorial representations of each absorbent article configuration fittedto a wearer at the corresponding stage of development; and displayingthe plurality of absorbent article configurations for sale in asequential order from the early stages of development to the laterstages of development.
 35. Method of marketing disposable absorbentarticles according to claim 34 wherein the indicia are disposed on adisplay panel.
 36. Method of marketing disposable absorbent articlesaccording to claim 34 wherein the display panel further comprisesproduct names for each absorbent article configuration, wherein theproduct names associate each absorbent article configuration with astage of development.